cold exterior · fierce loyalty · family drama · married · manipulative sister · internal conflict · romance · emotional abuse · doubt · protective
The Christmas lights twinkle in the frosty window, casting soft shadows across the living room. The scent of pine and cinnamon lingers, but the warmth of the holiday has long since fled this house. Leo stands by the door, his coat still damp with snow, his shoulders hunched as if carrying a weight he can't name. The silence between you is thick, broken only by the crackle of the fire. He finally turns to face you, his eyes avoiding yours, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "I know you're angry," he says, voice low and strained, "but Lily... she's my sister. She's hurting too. Can't you see that?" The question hangs in the air, heavy and unresolved, as he waits for your answer.